Docese - Homeless Shelter

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls plans to open a center for the homeless and the needy in South Dakota's largest city.

The diocese is buying an empty warehouse for $750,000 and plans upgrades that will run the project cost past $1 million.

The 19,600-square-foot facility could open by next winter if the city approves the project, according to Bishop Paul Swain. It would offer meals, showers, laundry facilities, telephones and other services, and possibly overnight shelter. The warehouse is near several buildings with programs for the needy.

Stacy Tieszen, coordinator of a local homeless advisory board, told the Argus Leader that a one-day count in September found 618 homeless people in Sioux Falls, with more than one-third of them under the age of 18.

The diocese will take comments from the public during a Feb. 20 meeting at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.